Mirabella by McCar Homes (Charlotte, Huntersville: hardwood floors, cul-de-sac, 2010)

[socal2008]

I just wanted to post my experiences with McCar Homes and the new Mirabella neighborhood in the Charlotte, NC area (Huntersville). I am not an employee of McCar... just a happy soon-to-be homeowner. We're in the early processes of purchasing a spec home -- one of the first homes to be built in this neighorhood -- and so far, the process has been so smooth. The land this neighborhood is to be built on is beautiful and convenient to shopping. The home we purchased has so many quality upgrades (the new GE Cafe series appliances, upgraded hardwood floors, crown molding throughout the entire house, landscaping front and back, in-ground irrigation, and more). For the price, we couldn't find a better quality home. The builder is very motivated right now -- spec homes have come down A LOT since this summer. If you're looking for a quiet, yet convenient location with a decent yard (0.40 acres) for the same price you'd spend on pre-owned homes that need to be updated (within the same zip code) -- check out Mirabella! My husband and I have been searching for a home since last March. We've become very familiar with the neighborhoods in North Charlotte/Huntersville. I'm not a realtor, but I'd be happy to answer any questions based on my own experiences so far...

[Stripes17]

Congrat's on your new home and your experience with McCarr Homes. We own a McCarr as well and couldn't be happier 4 years later.

[HomeSweetHomeNY]

hey Socal, what is the price range of McCarr homes in that area of Huntersville? Me & the husband want to buy in that area but have a low budget of 150,000 being that it's our first home.

[socal2008]

When McCar first started building (summer 2008) the price range was $320K+. Most of their spec homes were priced at around $375K, until a few weeks ago when they dropped their prices considerably to reduce inventory. I think the lowest price right now is: $299,900.

Have you tried looking at Cedarfield? It's in the same general area (off Exit 23 on I-77). It's an older neighborhood (20 years or so). Since it's older, it has a lot of mature landscaping, large trees, and cul-de-sacs. I really like that neighborhood. It's priced from about $150K - $280K from what I've seen. We looked a few homes there and some of them do need upgrading, but the prices are great.

If you would prefer to buy new construction, we have some friends who are considering Riverbend. It's a really cute neighborhood (but it's off of Hwy 16, by Mt. Island Lake). Not the same location -- but the floor plans are nice and the prices are probably more in line with what you are looking for.

I'm sure there are a lot of other neighborhoods out there, too. I've only lived in the Charlotte area for about 6 months now.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your search!

[QC Misfit]

Originally Posted by HomeSweetHomeNY

hey Socal, what is the price range of McCarr homes in that area of Huntersville? Me & the husband want to buy in that area but have a low budget of 150,000 being that it's our first home.

If $150K is the max then you could look at crosswinds, Stonegate Farms, or Cabarruss Crossing.

Congrats on your home Socal, the little pizza joint in Vermillion is a nice place to eat!

[sceptic2008]

Well congrats socal 2008 for the "smooth "purchase of a Mccar home. If you look at 2006 and 2007 posts on city data its not very flattering for Mccar homes--there's enough complaints about them. We are looking into buying a Mccar home and we are evaluating how they respond to our concerns regarding their spec homes. I will definitely be posting on how good or bad their response to building a better reputation and customer satisfaction is.

[blabber]

Mirabella is in a great location and will probably work out well for you when the economy figures itself out. Before buying a home there, I'd make to ask when the plan on completing the amenity. I had heard that it won't be until Summer 2010 so if thats the case you've got a least one more summer with out a pool. Also consider that there are about 180 95' lots that need to be developed and built, as well as +/- 65 64' lots. There's always some risk that the developer/builder (regardless of who it is) won't be around to finish the project and infrastructure.As far as the unflattering comments made about McCAR Homes I would suggest that every builder is going to have good and bad things said about them. It just so happens that the unhappy ones are the most vocal. There are plenty of buyers of Pulte Homes, KB Homes, even Custom Homes are unhappy with the quality of construction and/or customer service.

[flexysteve]

I've seen Mirabella and it's nice but it looks so empty. I would also be concerned about the builder actually finishing in this economy and thats not just for Mirabella but for all developments. Don't believe the hype when they talk about all the things that will be done. Then again you shouldn't completely trust people who make money on you buying stuff (builder, realtor, mortgage broker, bank) but thats another story.

[sceptic2008]

Well its right that builder promises can never be taken to the letter---Mirabella sure looks empty, if they wait out the downturn in economy there's potential to build Mirabella into a great neighbourhood , if things are mismanaged and new spec home owners are unhappy or just to sell and cut losses if they bring down prices too low it can turn into a bad neighbourhood.----- I am sure this is where a builder/ company with character , vision and guts comes through. Time will tell if Mccar homes have the character and vision supplemented with a definite plan.

[blabber]

Balance sheet is much more important than character, vision and guts...